The Lincoln Squirrel – News, features and photos from Lincoln, Mass.

Transfer station: new written rules, new stickers required

The town has approved a set of rules and regulations for the transfer station that they hope will encourage more effective recycling. 

Meanwhile, residents’ 2020-22 transfer station/commuter lot stickers will expire at the end of August. See below for details on getting a new sticker.

The Select Board recently approved the rules recommended by the Department of Public Works. Those rules are not very different from the DPW’s long-time informal guidelines for use of the transfer station that Lincolnites are familiar with; they merely formalize things for the first time.  

“Over the years, we’ve never had rules and regulations approved [by the Select Board]. We used our own common-sense rules but never had anything formal,” said DPW office manager Susan Donaldson. The rules will help the DPW educate the public and enforce the rules surrounding things such as the transfer station sticker requirement, where various types of trash and recycling should be placed, prohibited materials, proper use of the swap shed, etc. “We’re just trying to get people to do the right thing.”

The transfer station is a popular spot for community groups to share information and products, candidates to collect signatures for petitions, etc. The new rules require individuals and groups to contact the DPW in advance before setting up with a table or clipboard.

Education about recycling is an ongoing process but will become more important in the fall, when the state will no longer allow fabrics and clothing, mattresses, or box springs to be thrown out with household trash. The transfer station already has bins for textiles as well as a spot to drop mattresses and box springs, in addition to containers for recycling glass bottles and jars, single-stream recycling (cans, paper, cardboard, and some plastics), electronics, compost, scrap metal, and books.

But what happens to all that stuff after it leaves the transfer station? Coming soon: a series of articles that will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about recycling, trash, compost, textiles and everything else.

Transfer station stickers

New yellow transfer station/commuter lot stickers are required as of September 1. The stickers will be good through August 31, 2024. Stickers must be affixed to the bottom left corner of the driver’s side windshield of each vehicle. Any resident who doesn’t have a new yellow sticker by September 1 may be refused access to the transfer station or commuter lot.

Lincoln residents can get a new sticker at the DPW office on Lewis Street (call 781-259-8999 or email Donaldson at donaldsons@lincolntown.org) or by applying online at  epay.cityhallsystems.com/selection. Select Lincoln from the “municipality” dropdown and then click on “Make Purchases” (even though the stickers are free). Under Vehicle Information, choose “First Sticker” even if you already have a 2020-22 sticker. You’ll also need to upload a scan or photo of your driver’s license and car registration.

The City Hall Systems website can also be used for other town transactions including purchasing compost containers, paying motor vehicle excise taxes, or donating to the town’s emergency assistance or Pierce House funds.

Water board outlines exceptions to watering ban for all residents

Watering lawns by any means is now prohibited until further notice, but the Water Commission carved out some exceptions to the draconian Stage 4 water restrictions it imposed earlier last week. It also clarified that the restrictions apply equally to those who use private well water, not just those on town water.

The commission was bombarded with questions after its July 26 announcement that outdoor watering via sprinklers and, in many cases, even by handheld hose was prohibited in light of the continuing drought. In emails to LincolnTalk, residents asked if the latest rules applied to things like watering vegetable gardens or new landscaping plantings.

Water Department Superintendent Darin LaFalam told the commission that state guidelines were vague, requiring only restrictions on “nonessential watering,” but that state law does indeed empower towns to apply the rules to those who are not using the public water supply. Of Lincoln’s roughly 1,500 households, about 200 have private wells.

“There’s going to be a firestorm,” Commission Chair Ruth Ann Hendrickson predicted when well owners learn their outdoor watering habits have the same restrictions.

Stage 4 restrictions prohibit any outdoor watering except via drip irrigation once a week, but Hendrickson clarified in a LincolnTalk email last week that hand-watering by hose of personal vegetable gardens and watering of non-vegetable plantings using a bucket or watering can would be allowed.

At their July 29 meeting, the commission discussed the various questions that had been raised, and members voted to allow the following exceptions, and only between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.:

  • Vegetable gardens may be hand-watered as needed, since they fall under the state food production exemption. 
  • The town pool, tennis courts, and playing fields may get the minimum amount of water needed to ensure they can continue to operate because they are considered “essential to the mission” of the body that oversees them (the Park and Recreation Department). However, the toddler fountain at Codman Pool will be turned off. LaFalam had previously suggested that Parks and Rec use a pool cover when Codman Pool was closed to reduce evaporation. But Parks and Rec was reluctant to do so for safety reasons in case someone used the pool illegally and got trapped under the cover, he said. However, he will ask them look into using a liquid chemical solar cover. 
  • Recently planted landscaping that needs more frequent watering to become established may be watered by hand or with drip irrigation as required, preferably just once a week. No new flora may be planted during this time.
  • Conservation agencies (i.e., the Conservation Commission and the Lincoln Land Conservation Trust), which install and maintain native plants to keep invasive species at bay, may also water those plants as needed.
  • Power washing houses and decks is not allowed, nor is window washing that uses water, but if a painting or repair job has already been scheduled or is underway, the homeowner may ask the Water Department for an individual exemption.

As noted when the State 3 restrictions were put in place, Water Department staff will drive around town and leave warning cards at home where they see sprinklers running. A second violation will result in a letter and subsequent violations will result in fines.

The department will make every effort to contact homeowners with automatic sprinkler systems who are away on vacation, but if the sprinklers are still running after a month, they will consider shutting off the water supply to the home.

The short period of time between the Stage 3 and Stage 4 declarations may cause some confusion. The Water Department included a notice of the Stage 3 restrictions with the quarterly water bills that just went out in the mail, but those notices are “already obsolete,” LaFalam said.

Lincoln is not in immediate danger of running low on water; Flint’s Pond is actually “at a normal state for this time of year,” LaFalam said. However, the groundwater level is seven feet lower than it was in December, something that was discovered when workers recently drilled test holes for the planned new town well on Tower Road. The existing well system was recently cleaned with the goal of increasing its capacity until the new well can come online.

“One water” is the guiding principle, LaFalam said, meaning that water from Flint’s Pond, the town well and private wells ultimately comes from the same place, as state regulations recognize. Even if conditions in Lincoln are not dire at the moment, “I think we have an obligation to the wider area to use our water with restraint,” he said.

Police log for July 22–28, 2022

July 22

Virginia Road (8:20 a.m., 11:25 a.m., and 4:02 p.m.) — Residents of three different Minuteman Commons units reported thefts from their garages overnight. Click here for details.

Concord Road (9:28 a.m.) — An officer checked on a vehicle pulled to the side of the roadway. The operator was OK and using their GPS.

Horses Crossing (10:27 a.m.) — A resident asked to speak to an officer regarding a civil matter involving a contractor at their residence. An officer spoke to the resident and informed them of their legal options.

Laurel Drive (3:37 p.m.) — Report of a brush fire. The Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.

Wells Road (5:14 p.m.) — Caller requested an officer be present while a custody exchange occurred. An officer stood by to prevent a breach of the peace.

Baker Bridge Road (7:01 p.m.) — Parking ticket issued for illegal parked vehicle.

July 23

Wells Road (12:27 a.m.) — Caller reported that their motion detector went off at the rear of their residence. An officer checked and everything was secure.

South Great Road (9:57 a.m.) — Multiple concerned callers reported a party walking on the roadway who appeared confused. Officers responded and located the party and brought them home to their residence nearby.

Lexington Road (1:48 p.m.) — Caller reported a strange odor at the house. Fire Department responded and found no gas readings. Odor could be from the septic system.

July 24

Lincoln Road (8:43 a.m.) — Caller reported an odor of natural gas. Fire Department responded and checked for natural gas readings. Homeowner will call a plumber.

Baker Bridge Road (1:41 p.m.) — Parking ticket issued for illegally parked vehicle.

South Great Road (3:45 p.m.) — Resident called to report a friend stole their computer. An officer spoke to the resident and the resident’s friend, who reported the computer is being fixed.

Baker Bridge Road (5:49 p.m.) — Vehicle towed from No Parking zone. Vehicle’s registration was also suspended.

Lincoln Woods (6:38 p.m.) — Caller reported underage drinking at a gathering nearby. Officers responded and a resident was having a cookout; no underage drinking was occurring.

Walden Pond boat ramp (7:08 p.m.) — Concord Fire Department requested assistance in locating a party having a medical event. Lincoln Fire Department and officers responded. Concord Fire Department made contact with the party.

Wells Road (8:42 p.m.) — Resident reported getting involved in a verbal argument with another resident. An officer responded and spoke to both parties involved. Incident documented.

Partridge Lane (9:10 p.m.) — An officer stood by while a party retrieved items from a residence.

Lincoln School (9:15 p.m.) — Officer checked on a vehicle parked in the school complex. Everything was fine and the party left.

July 25

Concord Road (9:10 a.m.) — Caller complained about a landscaping truck blocking one lane of Farrar Road. An officer responded; the crew was finishing up and will change where they park their vehicles in the future.

Baker Bridge Road (12:22 p.m.) — Court documentation delivered to a resident.

Chestnut Circle (5:57 p.m.) — Weston police requested a well-being check on a resident. Officers responded and the involved party did not wish to have contact with the police.

South Great Road (6:50 p.m.) — Multiple callers reported a party sitting on the sidewalk at the intersection of Routes 117 and 126. An officer responded; the involved party was fine and on their way.

Tower Road (7:16 p.m.) — MBTA report a fire on the tracks. Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire.

July 26

Lincoln Road (10:10 a.m.) — An officer stopped and advised a party to not walk along the train tracks.

Boyce Farm Road (3:00 p.m.) — A delivery driver reported being bitten by a dog. Animal Control will handle.

Lexington Road (3:52 p.m.) — Caller reported that a landscaper was dropping debris and cutting on their property. An officer responded and spoke to all parties involved.

Lincoln Road (5:30 p.m.) — Two-car motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Lincoln and Codman Roads. No injuries; one vehicle towed from the scene.

Blueberry Lane (6:20 p.m.) — Caller reported they’re having an issue with Eversource, which wanted to cut power to the home as they’re making repairs. While en route, the party called back and the matter had been resolved with Eversource.

Bedford Road (7:19 p.m.) — Caller asked to speak to an officer regarding an issue with a contractor. An officer spoke to the party and advised them to call the station if an issue arises.

Virginia Road (7:43 p.m.) — A resident called wishing to speak to an officer regarding the thefts which had occurred on Virginia Road. An officer spoke to the resident.

Wells Road (10:31 p.m.) — Caller asked to speak to an officer regarding an ongoing matter. An officer spoke to the resident and referred them to speak with a mental health specialist.

July 27

250 Merrimack St., Lawrence — Investigators with the assistance of the Massachusetts State Police and Lawrence police arrested Kevin Lynch at his residence in Lawrence. Lynch was brought to the Lawrence Police Department for booking on an arrest warrant issued out of the Concord District Court for breaking and entering in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony (two counts), and three larceny charges.

St. Joseph Church (1:41 p.m.) — Caller wanted to speak to an officer regarding a dispute with another individual. An officer responded to speak to the reported party.

Codman Road (2:10 p.m.) — Caller requested a well-being check. An officer responded and no one appeared to be home.

Wells Road (4:30 p.m.) — A resident came into the station wishing to speak to an officer about a potential issue with a former resident. An officer spoke to the party and documented the incident.

Weston Road (7:51 p.m.) — Caller reported smoke in the area. Fire Department checked the area; it was caused by a resident cooking on their outside grill.

July 28

South Great Road (9:36 p.m.) — Caller reported a party walking in dark clothing on Route 117 near the Weston line. Officers checked but were unable to locate the party.

Lincoln break-in suspect nabbed in Lawrence

A garage surveillance photo of the Minuteman Commons burglar later identified and arrested.

Just days after a series of break-ins at Minuteman Commons in Lincoln, police arrested a suspect and recovered most of the stolen property.

Kevin Lynch, 40, of Lawrence was arrested at his Lawrence home on July 27 and charged with breaking and entering in the nighttime and several larceny charges after he allegedly stole bicycles and golf clubs from three garages in the Virginia Road complex on the night of July 19-20.

Lincoln police shared a surveillance photo of Lynch with other area enforcement agencies including Massachusetts State Police and police departments in Lowell, Chelmsford, and Lawrence. He was subsequently identified and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Lynch was taken into custody and was due to be arraigned on July 28 in the Concord District Court.

Lincoln Police Chief Kevin Kennedy said he couldn’t reveal if Lynch has a prior arrest record but noted that he was quickly fingered by several police departments after they saw his picture.

Kennedy said it was unclear why Lynch allegedly stole from Minuteman Commons, “but I don’t think there’s any reason to fear that this are was targeted over any other area.”

The quick arrest “shows the value of cooperation between multiple law enforcement agencies in sharing information that led to the arrest and recovery of the evidence,” he added.

News acorns

Codman Community Farms gets Edible Boston writeup

Edible Boston’s summer 2022 issue features a story about the changes wrought at Codman Community Farms by farmer Pete Lowy and his crew, especially at the farm store. Click here to read the story.

Area libraries sponsor “library crawl”

On Wednesday, Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., everyone is invited to take part in the Library Crawl. The challenge is to visit as many libraries as you can and take a picture of yourself with a designated item in each library in a 21st-century scavenger hunt. Download your Library Crawl passport with library locations and photo ops.

This is an event for all ages – all you need is a love of libraries and a way to get from place to place. Post your pictures and tag the libraries at #mlncrawl2022. Each library will have handouts and giveaways. Show your pictures to a librarian, get a prize, and see how many you can collect. Start and end wherever you like on the self-guided crawl.

Participating Minuteman Library Network libraries are Arlington Robbins & Arlington Fox Branch, Ashland, Bacon Free (Natick), Concord & Fowler Branch, Dedham & Endicott Branch, Framingham & McAuliffe Branch, Lexington (Cary), Lincoln, Maynard, Morrill Memorial Library (Norwood), Morse Institute Library (Natick), Needham, Newton, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley Main, Wellesley Hills, Wellesley Fells, and Westwood Main & Islington Branch.

Children’s events at library

“Not So Scary Animals” live program
Thursday, July 28 from 10:30–11:30 a.m., Tarbell Room
We think of some animals like sharks, snakes, and spiders as scary, but are they really when we learn more about them? Many seemingly scary animals have important jobs in nature, and some even help people. Children of all ages are welcome learn about and meet some “not so scary animals.” Registration required; email dleopold@minlib.net.

Mo Willems Film Festival
Friday, July 29 at 10:30 a.m.
Short films based on beloved Mo Willems stories. Ages 2+. Drop in.

Railroad crossing gates stuck down again last week

Due to a malfunction on an outbound train, sensors at four commuter rail crossing gate systems were damaged on July 21, causing significant delays during part of the morning rush hour and into the afternoon.

Shortly after 8:00 a.m., the gates at Old Sudbury Road, nearby South Great Road, and Lincoln Road got stuck in the down position. Lincoln police and crews from Keolis, which maintains the commuter rail system, responded and ensured the safety of the crossings. A fourth crossing in Cambridge was also affected.

When a crossing experiences any issues, gates are designed to default immediately to a safety mode by going down and staying down until the problem is fixed. The train follows a “stop and protect order” whereby the locomotive engineer and conductors reduce speed and stop at each crossing to confirm that it’s safe for the train to proceed, explained Alana Westwater, Manager of Public Relations and Government Affairs at Keolis. This happens fairly frequently — in Lincoln it occurred most recently on May 18, June 21, and July 2 before the July 21 incident.

These gate problems are unrelated to an April 11 incident in Lincoln where a gate was up when it should have been down, causing a train to narrowly miss hitting a car. The investigation into that incident is ongoing. At the June 27 Select Board meeting, Town Administrator Tim Higgins called the delay in getting more information “frustrating.”

“If much more time goes by without real evidence of progress in the investigation, we’ll call on our elected officials who oversee the MBTA to expedite that process,” he said.

Town bans almost all outside watering

Lincoln has gone to Stage 4 of watering restriction measures, meaning that all outdoor watering except for once-weekly drip irrigation and limited hand watering is banned until further notice. 

The move comes just days after a July 17 announcement that the town had gone to Stage 3 restrictions (watering allowed once a week). Since then, Massachusetts has experienced a heat wave, and no rain is in sight for the immediate future.

Lincoln follows guidelines set out by Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, which declared a “significant” drought on July 12 and a “critical” drought on July 21 in northeastern and central Massachusetts. Those guidelines ask residents to minimize overall water use (both town and well water, which draws from the same aquifer) and stop all non-essential outdoor watering, which means any watering that’s not required for health or safety reasons, food production livestock maintenance, or to meet the core functions of a business.

“For the time being, the Water Department is allowing hand watering by hose of personal vegetable gardens and watering by bucket or watering can of non-vegetable plantings. Using water from rain barrels or excess water from household activities is preferred,” Water Commission Chair Ruth Ann Hendrickson said on July 26.

Water Department staff will drive around town in the early mornings to check for water sprinklers in use and will leave warning cards for homes that are in violation. Some residents have automatic systems that they forget to adjust, or can’t right away because they’re away on vacation.

The town’s water use restriction bylaw mandates a $50 fine for the first violation and $100 for each subsequent violation. However, fines will not be assessed right away. “People need time to hear about it and adjust to it,” Hendrickson said.

The Water Commission plans to meet on Friday, July 29 at 1 p.m. to discuss the town’s drought response and to take a detailed look at the town’s water withdrawal permit and other sources of information “to see what wiggle room we have,” she added.

Since the Stage 4 status was announced on LincolnTalk on July 24, residents have offered several creative tips for water conservation, such as outdoor watering using water from pasta boiling, salad spinners, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, sump pumps, and showers (caught in a bucket while waiting for the water to get hot).

The last time the area experienced a “critical” drought was in August 2016, when area pond and reservoir levels were extremely low. Lincoln’s watering restriction stages have gotten somewhat more stringent since then.

More information:

Stage 1Stage 2Stage 3Stage 4
Hand-held wateringAllowed 6pm–9amAllowed 7pm–7amAllowed 7pm–7amAllowed 7pm–7am
Above-ground/
in-ground sprinklers		Allowed 7pm–7am• Even house #s:
Tues & Sat

• Odd house #s
Wed & Sun		• Even house #s:
Sat only

• Odd house #s:
Sun only		Not allowed
Soaker hosesAllowed any time2 days a week1 day a weekNot allowed
Drip irrigationAllowed any time2 days a week1 day a week1 day a week
New lawnsAllowed any timeJune & Sept. only: 20 days of daily watering, then 2 days a week, 7pm–7amJune & Sept. only: 20 days of daily watering, then 1 day a week, 7pm–7amNot allowed
Washing vehiclesAllowed any timeCommercial services onlyCommercial services onlyCommercial services only
Washing buildings, pavementAllowed any timeNot allowedNot allowedNot allowed
Swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, JacuzzisAllowed any timeOne fill per season for new or repaired equipmentTopping off only (3" per month)Topping off or refill not allowed
Car wash fundraisersAllowed any timeAllowed any timeNot allowedNot allowed
Games or toys with continuous waterAllowed any timeAllowed any time (30 mins/day) on specified day (see row #2)Allowed any time (30 mins/day) on specified day (see row #2)Not allowed

Lincoln Chipmunk returns in the fall

The Lincoln Chipmunk got overwhelmed with busy-ness in the spring and is on hiatus for the rest of the summer. But this is a great time to relax and work on those creative words and images you’ve been thinking about. The next deadline is September 9, 2022. Anyone with a Lincoln connection is welcome to submit their work — click here for details.

Police searching for North Lincoln burglary suspect

Anyone who recognizes this man should call Lincoln police at 781-259-8113. (Click either image to enlarge)

Lincoln police have released a picture of a man suspected of stealing items from at least three garages in the Minuteman Commons condominium complex on Virginia Road and are asking the public to help identify him.

During the day on Friday, July 20, police received reports from three residences that bicycles and golf clubs had been stolen from garages. Police Chief Kevin Kennedy said the break-ins most likely occurred in the late evening or during overnight hours. Anyone who recognizes the person should call the non-emergency police line at 781-259-8113.

Kennedy would not say how the image was acquired, though it appears to be from a camera inside a closed garage. The man is white, has a light brown beard, and is heavily tattooed on his left arm and hand.

There have been no reports of break-ins in nearby areas in Lincoln or Concord, Kennedy said. However, because it’s summer time, “there could be other [burglaries] where people could be away and haven’t noticed,” he added.

Minuteman Commons is a 55+ community with 32 units close to Hanscom Field.

Police log for July 10–21, 2022

July 10

Lincoln Road, Wayland (4:30 p.m.) — Wayland police requested assistance looking for a child who was out riding their bike and was overdue in getting home. Officers checked the area for the child. Wayland police later reported the child returned home.

Wells Road (4:40 p.m.) — Resident reported that someone was causing a disturbance and yelling inside an apartment. Officers responded to the residence and spoke to the involved party. The party was alone in the apartment and was upset and venting to themselves.

Cambridge Turnpike eastbound (9:41 p.m.) — Caller reported a car-vs.-deer crash at the Concord line. State police were notified. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate.

July 11

Brooks Road (5:15 p.m.) — Fire Department responded to a call about a problem with the electrical system. The homeowner is calling an electrician to handle the issue.

July 12

Hanscom Vandenberg Gate (6:28 p.m.) — Hanscom Security Forces requested assistance with a party having a mental health crisis. Officers responded to assist. The party was later brought to the hospital.

July 13

Bedford Road (1:54 p.m.) — Caller reported a water main break near the library. The Water Department reported they were flushing a hydrant in the area.

Wells Road (8:43 p.m.) — Officers took a report about headphones being stolen from a vehicle.

July 14

Conant Road (11:03 a.m.) — Caller requested a well-being check on a resident. An officer went to the residence and everything was fine.

South Great Road (3:16 p.m.) — Caller reported a party driving erratically on Route 117 eastbound who appeared to be having a medical event. Officers and Fire Department checked Route 117 to the Weston line but were unable to locate.

July 15

Wells Road (2:01 a.m.) — Caller reported their outdoor motion sensor went off and asked an officer check if someone is outside their residence. An officer checked and everything was fine.

Lincoln Road (7:59 a.m.) — Fire Department personnel responded to Framingham for a District Dive Team activation.

Donelan’s Supermarket (5:21 p.m.) — Caller reported that their handicap placard was stolen from their car in the parking lot. An officer responded and took a report.

Care Dimensions Hospice House (7:59 p.m.) — Caller asked for an ambulance to transport a patient to the hospital. An officer responded and spoke to the individual, who was not the health care proxy.

July 16

Carroll School (10:59 a.m.) — Caller complained about landscapers using leaf blowers. An officer responded and spoke to the landscapers, who said they would stop for the day

Russett Court (6:18 p.m.) — Caller reported that their spouse was missing from the home. While officers were en route, the caller reported that their spouse had returned home and everything was fine.

July 17

North Great Road (4:43 p.m.) — Two-car motor vehicle crash; no injuries.

Indian Camp Lane (11:33 p.m.) — Caller asked the Fire Department to assist as they had locked themselves out of their house.

July 18

Weston Road (4:18 p.m.) — An officer assisted a resident with a VIN verification of a vehicle.

Wells Road (5:37 p.m.) — Caller asked the Fire Department to assist as they had locked themselves out of their house.

July 19

Cedar Road (11:20 a.m.) — Caller reported being involved in a minor motor vehicle crash. An officer responded and assisted the involved parties with exchanging paperwork.

July 20

National Park Visitor Center (3:36 a.m.) — An officer found a vehicle in the Visitor Center lot and checked on the parties. Everything was fine and the group left the area.

Bedford Road (2:34 p.m.) — Minor two-car motor vehicle crash; no injuries.

Codman Road (6:16 p.m.) — A party walked into the station to report that some tried to scam them. An officer spoke to the party; there was no financial loss.

July 21

Lincoln Road and South Great Road (8:22 a.m.) — Railroad gates were stuck in the down position at both crossings. An officer responded and the MBTA was notified.

Codman Road (3:32 p.m.) — Caller requested a well-being check at the residence. An officer responded and no one was home.

Drumlin Farm (6:03 p.m.) — Caller reported that a vehicle was still in the parking lot and was concerned that people will be camping overnight. An officer responded and found that the vehicle was having mechanical problems and would be moved shortly.

Baker Bridge Road (7:32 p.m.) — An officer issued a parking ticket for a vehicle parked in the No Parking zone.